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New these tools would go for $400+ a set. Grammy has used these tools longer than he holds on to most equipment, he knows a good thing when he has it. Anyone just thinking about getting into ice climbing or replacing old tools should send out an offer.If I did not own 2 sets of ice tools already I would be trying to work out a deal. I have heard many good comments from a variety of people that have very reputable ice climbing skills about the performance of these tools.

These things are about as utilitarian as you can get, simple lines, easy to replace picks and grips (two or three picks available as well as picks for Ice, mixed and alpine). Great swing weight, lightweight, T-rated shafts with B rated picks designed by Ian Osteyee specifically for the brittle conditions that we find here in the northeast. Hammers are standard, adze are available. these things are built like a brick shithouse...and can take a beating, but the interesting thing is that the swing is just a flick of the wrist. I had to get used to moving up on just the points of the picks as it is very easy to overswing this tool and they can be difficult to clean (no different than any other tool that is overdriven...certainly easier than grivel). They hook like nobody's business are solid up to 4+ in my opinion (no problem with Dracula, Hobbit, Pegasus Rock finish, and the Penguin three times this season). I am on my second season with the original picks and will easily get another out of them (if not more). I think these tools are very intuitive and natural and do well on low angle slab, but not as good as the quarks or some of the other tools with less aggressive geometry. You owe it to yourself to try these out. A really great tool designed specifically for our needs out here on the "Easy" Coast! lol

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